The Edo State Sawmillers Association has refuted allegations made by a group known as Concerned Sons and Daughters of the Riverine Area of Edo State, which claimed that illegal logging in Okomu National Park poses a security threat to the state’s riverine communities.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Friday Alguokhian, the association described the claims as false and misleading, insisting that the petitioners were attempting to spread fear and misinformation.
The association dismissed the group’s assertion that certain individuals were stockpiling firearms to terrorize communities as entirely baseless. It challenged the petitioners to provide credible evidence rather than making vague and unsubstantiated allegations.
“We would have ignored these claims as mere speculation, but since sawmillers were specifically mentioned, it is necessary to set the record straight. There is no link between our lawful business activities and any alleged security threats,” the statement read.
The sawmillers also addressed the claim that ₦2 billion had been collected from lorry owners and buyers to facilitate illegal logging. They clarified that any financial transactions in the industry follow legal forestry regulations, and there is no secret deal to exploit Okomu National Park.
Furthermore, the association pointed out that the National Park Services Act of 2010, which replaced the old National Park Act, does not prohibit the removal of fallen trees. It explained that timber extraction follows established guidelines, contradicting the petitioners’ argument that logs must be left to decay.
“The claim that National Park Laws require fallen trees to remain untouched is misleading. The current law allows for the proper management of natural resources, including controlled timber evacuation where necessary,” the statement added.
In response to what it called a smear campaign, the Edo State Sawmillers Association announced that it has reported the matter to its legal team and law enforcement agencies. The association challenged the petitioners to provide concrete proof of their claims instead of making unfounded accusations.
“As a responsible business body, we operate within the law. If anyone has evidence of illegal activities, they should present it to the appropriate authorities. Otherwise, they should stop spreading misinformation,” Comrade Alguokhian stated.
The association urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; the Minister of Environment, and security agencies to disregard what it described as an “alarmist statement” designed to mislead the public.
“We are committed to sustainable forestry practices and environmental conservation. However, we will not stand by while falsehoods are used to discredit our industry. We urge the government to base decisions on facts rather than unfounded allegations,” the statement concluded.
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